A grand state-level function was organized in Gurugram on the occasion of World Environment Day on Friday. Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power, Sh. Manohar Lal, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Haryana Minister for Forests, Environment and Wildlife, Rao Narbir Singh, was present as the Guest of Honour.
Several important initiatives related to environmental conservation, cleanliness, waste management and sustainable development were highlighted during the event. Gurugram MLA Mukesh Sharma was also present. On this occasion, the Bioremediation Pilot Project at Dhankot Leg-3 was inaugurated, while the foundation stone was laid for the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) Project at Lion Public School campus in Sector-102, as well as for the project to lay treated wastewater pipelines to 170 parks across Gurugram by the Municipal Corporation Gurugram.
Representatives from various departments, educational institutions, social organizations and stakeholders associated with environmental conservation participated in the event and pledged to make environmental protection a mass movement. Union Minister Sh. Manohar Lal and Haryana Cabinet Minister Rao Narbir Singh also planted saplings to spread the message of environmental conservation.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Manohar Lal said that despite being equipped with modern facilities, Gurugram still needs significant improvement in the areas of cleanliness and environmental management. He remarked that if the city effectively controls air pollution and sanitation challenges, it could become one of the best cities in the world.
He emphasized that environmental protection is not limited to tree plantation alone and that effective control over all sources of pollution is equally important. Referring to a recent decision, he said that old vehicles complying with BS-I, BS-II and BS-III emission standards in the NCR region would be phased out, and the scrapping of polluting vehicles would be encouraged.
He also directed officials to ensure the scientific disposal of unused and scrap vehicles parked for long periods at public places, police premises and other locations. He noted that dust from construction activities and emissions from old vehicles are among the major contributors to deteriorating air quality and must be effectively controlled.
The Union Minister urged citizens to make environmental protection a part of their lifestyle. He stressed that people should not only plant trees but also ensure their survival.He highlighted the importance of household-level waste segregation, reduced use of plastic, greater awareness about cleanliness and the recycling of resources.
He added that promoting clean energy, solar energy and green technologies is essential for ensuring a safe environment for future generations. Environmental protection, he said, cannot be achieved through government efforts alone and requires active participation and responsibility from every citizen.
In his address, Rao Narbir Singh stated that environmental protection is not solely the responsibility of the government but a collective duty of every citizen. He observed that despite being one of the most developed cities in the country, Gurugram faces serious pollution challenges, which can only be addressed through public participation. He appealed to people to make environmental conservation an integral part of their daily lives.
The Environment Minister described tree plantation as the most effective means of environmental protection. He urged citizens to join Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign and encouraged every individual to plant at least two saplings so that future generations can enjoy a clean and healthy environment.
Among those present on the occasion were Gurugram Mayor Raj Rani Malhotra, CP Shibas Kaviraj, Municipal Commissioner Gurugram Pradeep Dahiya, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Dr. Navdeep Singh, and other senior officers.